Chapter 21

"Well, he's done it," Danielle said to Jackie as she turned away from the computer screen. Jacqueline looked up from the final preparations she was working on for the big Christmas ball.

"He married her?" she asked innocently.

Danielle laughed. "Did you expect any differently?"

"Wasn't sure he could get away with it. Now we will have to suffer the consequences of our actions."

"No," Danielle said, "You won't get it, I will. I set this little thing up, you had nothing to do with it."

"Oh, really," Jacqueline said, standing up, "I only introduced them."

Danielle nodded. "In a way, you did, but I pushed it. I just hope I didn't make a mistake. I just wonder how long it will be before Renee finds out."

Jacqueline laughed this time. "As long as it takes for Margo to open her mouth about the whole affair."

Danielle smiled. "All a cover up just so Margo could marry Rupe's younger brother, Jerrold. She will only be a Duchess, but she got what she wanted." Danielle smiled and stood up. "She's royalty at last! I just hope Rupe will be happy with Princess Daphne, even if she's second in line for the throne."

They both giggled at the thought. "Well what now?" Jacqueline asked. "You're free now to marry Henry. Just what you've wanted."

Danielle shook her head. "I've got to tell him who I really am, Jackie. It's not going to be easy. He despises royalty and anything to do with Princess Danielle. He thinks she's a silly stuck up little brat."

Jackie smiled and sat down next to her. "Well, you'll put it right. I know you, Dani. And I haven't got a clue where he got the idea that you're silly and stuck up. "

Danielle put her hand on her arm. "Jackie, do you really think that he will accept me as Princess Danielle, the next queen of Haven?"

Jackie smiled. "If he loves you, as you have told me, he will accept you as you are. You have to be honest and he will understand why you've kept your true identity a secret. Now go before Renee gets here. I'm sure she's heard the news by now. If it's on the internet, then everyone knows."

Danielle smiled and grabbed her cousin's arm. "Thanks for supporting me all these years, Jackie. You've been a great help to me."

Jackie laughed and shook her head. "I love you, Dani. I will always love you. Now get out of here before here before…"

"DANIELLE." Renee's voice called up the stairs. "I need to come down here at once."

Jackie and Danielle stared at each other. "Quick, Dani, take the hidden staircase. You've used it before."

Danielle nodded. She kissed Jackie's cheek. "I love you." She gave her a wide smile, then turned and headed for the door. "Wish me luck," she called opening up the door.

"DANIELLE? Where are you?"

"Go and good luck. Don't worry about Renee. I'll take care of everything."

She watched the door close; then turned to face the stairs. "Be right down, Aunt Renee. " She took a deep breath and began to walk down.